New chairperson for the Coordinated Action on Viral Hepaptitis Basic and Translational Research (CA42)

What are the main areas of research that you would like to promote through this coordinated action?

Viral hepatitis still poses major scientific challenges. Chronic infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and co-infections with the hepatitis B and D viruses (HBV/HDV) remain the world’s leading cause of liver cancer, one of the most deadly cancers. HBV/HDV cure is one of the ANRS MIE’s priorities. We also have to respond to the emergence of the hepatitis E virus, for which we are not adequately prepared. We also have to pay close attention to HCV infection, for which there is no vaccine. Finally, global climate change promote the emergence or re-emergence of arboviruses in Europe, some of which, notably flaviviruses, target the liver and require increased vigilance.

What are the challenges facing this coordinated action?

In the wake of the momentum generated by the previous presidency, the challenge for the CA42 will be to mobilise the French research community around the major scientific questions raised by viral infections of the liver. We are keen to define the key research objectives around these topics. Our ambition is to develop new preventive and therapeutic strategies thanks to a better understanding of viral cycles and interactions between the virus and its host. Our aim is to create synergies between laboratories to develop new research programmes, that are intended to be financed via ANRS MIE, in particular by the Sector Scientific Committee 12 (CSS12).

What are the next major events or achievements to come?

The Coordinated Action will continue to operate in the ordinary way until 2025. Our next objective is to set up a new decision-making committee for CA42 and organise the next National Hepatitis Network days, which will take place early next year. In addition, we want to strengthen the cross-disciplinary approach between the Coordinated Actions by organising a thematic meeting with the CA41 in 2025 on the topics related to the cure for HBV and HIV infections.